Listen Live
Listen Live

Centre for Disease control wants to change the conversation around addiction

We don’t always think about the impact of the words we use and the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is trying to change that.

With the opioid crisis often in the news, Harm Reduction Lead says respectful language on addiction is more important now than ever.

“The language that people use, whether it’s in the healthcare profession or in the media, can create stigma,” says Dr. Jane Buxton, the harm reduction lead with the BCCDC. “We hear so much at the moment about the opioid overdose crisis – the language that’s used can be stigmatizing.If we’re stigmatizing people who are using substances, it’s going to prevent them from coming forward. They may be embarrassed. They may feel unable to tell their loved ones and, of course, if someone’s hiding their substance use, that is so dangerous.”

BC’s Provincial Health Officer has repeatedly warned that using drugs alone can increase the likelihood of fatal overdose.

Buxton says words like ‘drug abuser’ and ‘junkie’ are dehumanizing and reinforce the belief that addiction is a moral or personal issue rather than a medical disorder.

“We want to come across that this is a medical issue that can be treated, that people can come forward. By presenting addiction in this way, we realize that there’s lots of different factors that influence it.”

The BCCDC is hoping to change the conversation around addiction by encouraging people to use language that humanizes people who use drugs, reflects the medical nature of addiction and promotes recovery. A good rule of thumb is avoiding idioms and slang terms.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Shannon Waters
Shannon Waters
Raised in Victoria, educated in Vancouver at UBC and BCIT, Shannon moved to Prince George as a reporter in 2016. She is now the News Director for Vista North.

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

$250,000 damage following fire on Pacific Street

Prince George Fire Rescue crews responded to a commercial structure fire in the 1000 block of Pacific Street yesterday morning (Sunday) at approximately 5:40.

Williams Lake RCMP investigating fatal crash

Just after 5pm on Saturday (July 12th), North District Corporal Madonna Saunderson said the Williams Lake RCMP received a report of the incident on Highway 97 at Mountain House Road. Saunderson added a Chev pickup and a Toyota Camry had collided and initial investigation indicates that the Toyota pulled out onto the highway in front of the pickup.

Spruce Kings add Muchalla as skills coach

Muchalla, a former Spruce Kings captain played 161 games for his hometown club tallying 64 goals and adding 117 assists over three seasons from 2007 to 2010.

Highway 16 crash between PG and Vanderhoof becomes fatal; two others injured

Highway 16 was closed for roughly four hours before re-opening to traffic. The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when it comes available.

Hartley’s Sports Shorts; Monday, July 14th

Special Olympics BC Summer Games: The 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George is officially over.
- Advertisement -